Bruins’ Rask granted leave of absence for personal matter

Elise Amendola | AP

Elise Amendola | AP

Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask (40) skates back to the net after a goal by Vancouver Canucks center Bo Horvat during the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Boston. The Canucks won 8-5.

The Associated Press•November 9, 2018 4:09 pm

BOSTON — The Boston Bruins say goaltender Tuukka Rask has been granted a leave of absence from the team for a personal matter.

The team didn’t offer an explanation, but general manager Don Sweeney said shortly after the announcement on Friday it was not health related. He also asked for privacy on behalf of Rask.

Rask has started only seven of the Bruins’ 15 games this season and acknowledged being outplayed recently by Jaroslav Halak.

Rask came on in relief in the Bruins’ 8-5 loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday night. Halak was pulled after allowing five goals on 19 shots. Rask allowed three goals on the first eight shots he faced.

Boston, which hosts Toronto on Saturday, has dropped three of its past five games.